Board games: roulette, poker, blackjack

The German model after 2021 divided the verticals: online slots and online poker received uniform rules for the whole country, and board games (roulette, blackjack, etc.) were given to the competence of individual lands. In practice, this means: the main life of tables is in land casinos (Spielbanken), while their online versions are allowed pointwise and under special land regimes.

Why tables are mostly offline

Federated approach. GlüStV 2021 allowed the lands to independently determine to whom and how to issue rights to online roulette/blackjack (up to state monopolies or exclusive concessions). Because of this, there was no national "single market" for online tables - offers are fragmented and limited.

Focus on protecting players. Tables are historically more "intense" due to live formats and quick fixes. The regulatory emphasis is to leave them under the control of the nazem, where it is easier to apply identification, observe behavior and ensure responsible play.

Economy and infrastructure. Land-based casinos are an important part of regional budgets and tourism. The lands seek to keep table traffic offline.

Where to play offline: Spielbanken format

• American/French roulette. Classic tables with various limits; in large cities, several tables and limit zones are available at once.
• Blackjack. European rules, variation on doubles/splits; side-beta are found, but moderately.
• Poker. Cash tables (more often NLH and PLO) and regular tournaments with democratic buy-ins; the schedule is published by the casino.
• Dress code and entrance. Age 18 +, document with photo required; the dress code is usually "moderately business."
• Responsible play. The OASIS system also operates offline: self-exclusion blocks access to all licensed establishments in the country.

Roulette

Formats. European (one zero), American (two zeros less common), sometimes French with "La Partage/En Prison."

Limits. In the evening hours grow; VIP areas offer higher rates.

Player tips.

Check if the "La Partage" rule is in effect - it reduces the variance by even/odd, red/black.

Plan a bankroll by time, not by the number of spins: offline, the pace is slower, but the sessions are longer.

Blackjack

Rules. Variations of European blackjack: the dealer takes the second card after the player's actions; double after split - depending on the house; surrender - not always available.

Limits and tables. Multiple tables with different min/max; in prime time, minimals are higher.

Player tips.

Find out the "house" rules before landing: number of decks, double/split, payments 3: 2/6: 5.

Side-beta increases variance - use prudently.

Poker

Online vs offline. Online poker is allowed and lives on licensed domains, but offline poker remains an important part of the ecosystem: regular cash games and tournaments at Spielbanken.

Formats. No-Limit Hold'em (base), Pot-Limit Omaha (more commonly in cache), sometimes amateur series with low to medium buy-ins.

Player tips.

See the schedule in advance: many casinos have fixed "poker days."

Take the document; buy-in and commission (fee) are paid at the checkout, tips to the dealer - according to the customs of the house.

Online tables: what is really available

Live casinos and RNG tables are possible only from operators who have received land permission for such games. Many licensed sites in Germany do not offer roulette/blackjack online for this very reason, limited to slots and poker.

Geography and conditions may differ from land to land; the player sees exactly those verticals on the site for which there is a valid resolution.

Responsible play practice

Identification and age. KYC is required both online and offline (at the entrance to Spielbank - a document).

Self-exclusion (OASIS). If you are on the register, access to offline casinos and licensed online platforms will be closed.

Limits. Personal financial thresholds and behavioral limits work online; offline - control of time and rates through internal policies.

Quick player checklist

1. Want live roulette/blackjack → look for the nearest Spielbank of your land.

2. I want poker tournaments → check the schedule at land casinos; online tournaments are available on licensed poker platforms.

3. Online tables are not visible to my operator → he probably does not have a land permit for this vertical - this is the norm, not a mistake.

4. Responsible play → set limits (online) and plan your budget by time (offline). Keep the document with the photo at hand.

Bottom line. In Germany, roulette, blackjack and a significant portion of poker remain the dominantly offline format under Spielbanken's control. Online desks are a rare exception and depend on the specific land and license. If the "dining" experience is important to you, focus on land-based casinos; if flexibility and distance play - choose licensed online poker and follow the limits.